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Belly Dancing for Everyone

Chris Kalogerson Ensemble
Belly Dancing for Everyone

Belly dance—a Western term for “solo, improvised dances based on torso articulation”—is performed in the Middle East as a social or folk dance and as performance art. This recording, subtitled “Basic Rhythms for Beginners to Advanced,” is a collection of ten instrumental melodies originating in Greece, North Africa, and the Middle East. Performed by the Ensemble Sharqi under the direction of percussionist Chris Kalogerson, the music provides a range of rhythms from the slow to medium Tsifte–Telli to the upbeat rhythms of Debka and Karsilama. The oud (an 11–stringed instrument) and bouzoukee (a metal–stringed instrument), coupled with violin, clarinet, and flute, give this recording its distinctive Middle Eastern sound.

Track Listing

101
Raksat Ala Al Oud (Dance to the Oud Sound) Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 04:22  
102
Rampi-Rampi Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 04:05  
103
Shish-Kabob Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 02:47  
104
Monaagah Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 03:49  
105
Haso-Eliniko Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 03:15  
106
Banat Iskandaria Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 02:53  
201
Raksat Al Souk Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 04:18  
202
Maharayias Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 04:44  
203
Baklava Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 03:49  
204
Opa Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 03:45  
205
Raksat Al Neal Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 03:15  
206
Mustafa Chris Kalogerson Ensemble 02:49